Wooden Canoe Heritage Association

Racine Boat Company

Years in Business:

1905 - 1927

Company History:

When the Racine Boat Manufacturing Company factory burned down in 1903, the company relocated and rebuilt in Muskegon, Michigan. In March, 1905, a number of workers who had moved to Muskegon returned to Racine and incorporated the Racine Boat and Canoe Company, which they shortened to Racine Boat Company in August that same year. Like the RBMC, the Racine Boat Company produced a wide range of steam and gasoline boats, sailing boats, duck skiffs, etc., as well as canoes.

At the onset, Racine Boat Company built one 13’ lapstrake canoe and canvas canoes in 14’ and 16’ lengths. By 1915, the company had developed their line of canvas canoes in three grades and in 15’, 16’ and 17’ lengths; an 18’ canoe was added in 1916.

The company was dissolved in 1927.

Identifying Features:

Canoes built by the Racine Boat Company usually exhibit these features: